DHL to create and manage European distribution centers for Eaton's electrical business

September 25, 2017: DHL Supply Chain has signed a long-term agreement with the global power management company Eaton to create and manage three distribution centres for their Electrical business in Europe.

Over the next few years, the contract logistics specialist within Deutsche Post DHL Group will consolidate Eaton's major standalone distribution center capabilities throughout Europe into three high-performing and integrated primary distribution centres. These will be located in Germany, in the UK and in the Czech Republic, where the current DHL managed distribution center will be expanded.

“Based on DHL Supply Chain's broad expertise in devising integrated supply chain solutions, we developed the Rheinbach concept for a full warehouse consolidation, starting with planning, construction, fit out and full automation to the initial setup and operation,” describes Oscar de Bok, CEO Mainland Europe, Middle East & Africa, DHL Supply Chain.

In Rheinbach, Germany, a new building is planned that will serve Eaton's customers in Western Europe. The green field construction is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter 2017, with DHL storing and distributing different electric components such as switch cabinets, fuses and control devices in the new warehouse after its completion in 2018.

“The new facility will not only provide a significant increase of productivity due to its innovative set up but also demonstrates DHL's commitment to the wider Bonn region,” adds Karsten Schwarz, CEO Germany and Alps, DHL Supply Chain.

As both DHL and Eaton have a strong commitment for sustainability with corresponding goals, the new warehousing site is to comply with the standards of the German Society for Sustainable Construction (DGNB) and will be built to achieve the silver certificate of the association.

“DHL is very experienced in warehousing and distribution as well as supply chain solutions and we can help with their environmental focus and drive energy efficiency by applying Eaton's power management technologies to their facilities,” says Klaus Gaeb, vice president Supply Chain and Operational Excellence, Eaton EMEA.

As DHL already has a significant footprint in Europe, this revised distribution approach would also provide strong future prospects to the majority of distribution center employees from Eaton. They are covered by this agreement and are given the opportunity to join DHL following the overall completion process.

Since 2008, DHL has been supporting Eaton in the review and improvement of its supply chains across the globe.

Photo: Dr. Karsten Schwarz, DHL Supply Chain; Frank Campbell, President Europe, Middle East and Africa Region, Corporate and Electrical Sector, Eaton; Oscar De Bok, DHL Supply Chain and Klaus Gäb Eaton EMEA.